rhubarb

[MVS0122]

OK, these are probably dumb questions but I'm gonna ask anyway! I usually get rhubarb from family members who have an overabundance but this year I bought some and planted it myself.

So - does it spread at all, or if I want more do I need to go out and buy more? Also, do I just cut off the stalks in late spring and that's it, it grows back next year - they don't keep going all summer do they?

I wanted eventually to have enough to can some jam, but I'm thinking I should just go harvest that little bit I have right now because it's not going to do any good to let it stay out there. This is much easier when I just go cut someone else's when they tell me to and I don't think about the ins and outs of it so much! Any help would be appreciated!

[wanderinggrandma]

Rhubarb will spread, it is HARD to kill it!! When the plant gets too big I attach it with a shovel and then sweet talk someone into taking it. Also the more you pick it, the more it will grow. Just make sure you break off the bloom stalk when they come out and it will go until fall if you keep it watered.

I was grocery shopping today and they were selling Rhubarb for $1.48 a pound. I need to go talk nice to my plant and figure out what to do with all the rhubarb that is ready to go. (I don't like it--I keep this plant for DH).

[Ali Lee]

I have rhubarb. Pull it up from the base, break off the tall flower head, keep it clean from underneath (yellow leaves, xtra large stalks pull). So far I've used it since spring. I have 3 batches that has kept me plenty supplied. Clean up area after frost has killed it this fall. Dad says to mulch it for winter, but I didn't and I didn't lose any. Enjoy!